BLM Pocatello Field Office Announces Seasonal Closures

POCATELLO, ID – The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Pocatello Field Office (PFO) would like to remind the public that seasonal trail closures will go into effect November 16 for motorized travel in the Pocatello, Bear Lake and Soda Springs areas, specifically the Blackrock/Chinese Peak, Pocatello West Bench, Soda Springs Hills and Cooley Canyon areas.

“The purpose for many of the closures is to protect big game winter range, particularly in Blackrock/Chinese Peak, Cooley Canyon and Soda Springs Hills areas,” said Chuck Patterson, outdoor recreation planner for the BLM Pocatello Field Office. “Road conditions are also a part of the reasons for the closures because we want to minimize erosion and other resource damage.”

The Blackrock/Chinese Peak trail system is closed to motorized and mechanized (bicycle) travel from November 16 thru April 14. The Pocatello West Bench and Soda Hills areas are closed to motorized travel from November 16 thru May 15.

In the Soda Springs Hills, the upper gates at Ninety Percent Canyon, Idaho Ranch Canyon and Swenson Canyon close on November 16, with a tentative opening date of May 15. The lower gates in those three canyons will close January 5, with a tentative opening date of May 15. (The Idaho Canyon lower gate is County controlled). The BLM has coordinated with the Idaho Dept. of Fish and Game regarding the impact the closure has on Big Game Management Unit 72 north of Soda Springs. The lands behind the gate are still open to foot and horse traffic.

With the development of the Bear Lake Travel Management area, Cooley Canyon on the east side of Bear Lake will also be closed starting November 16, with a tentative opening date of May 15.

Other trails and roads on public lands may have seasonal/winter closures, so please check with your local BLM office before visiting these areas. The BLM appreciates the public’s cooperation in these efforts. For more information on this closure or for general information, please contact the BLM in Pocatello at 208-478-6340.

The BLM manages more than 245 million acres of public land, the most of any Federal agency. This land, known as the National System of Public Lands, is primarily located in 12 Western states, including Alaska. The BLM also administers 700 million acres of sub-surface mineral estate throughout the nation. The BLM's mission is to manage and conserve the public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations under our mandate of multiple-use and sustained yield. In Fiscal Year 2013, the BLM generated $4.7 billion in receipts from public lands.